Optimization of Enhanced Oil Recovery in Mature Reservoirs Using Hybrid Gas-Displacement and Nanoparticle Flooding Techniques

Project Abstract

Optimization of Enhanced Oil Recovery in Mature Reservoirs Using Hybrid Gas-Displacement and Nanoparticle Flooding Techniques investigates an integrated EOR strategy designed to maximize hydrocarbon recovery from mature fields characterized by low permeability, high residual oil saturation, and complex flow units. The study develops a multidisciplinary framework combining gas displacement, nanoparticle-facilitated mobility control, and surfactant-assisted interfacial tension reduction to surmount prevalent flow barriers such as pore-scale snap-off, wettability alteration, and nanofluid aggregation under reservoir conditions. A hybrid gas-displacement scheme leverages the volumetric efficiency of lightweight gases for compressible displacement while enabling pressure maintenance and reservoir energy replenishment, thereby expanding swept volume in tandem with nanoscale modifiers. Nanoparticles selected for stability in high salinity and temperature environments are engineered to modify rock-fluid interactions, reduce capillary entry pressures, and stabilize emulsions that promote radial and vertical mobility control. The research advances computational pore-scale modeling coupled with levered upscaling to predict permeability trends, nanofluid transport, and gas-assisted displacement efficiency across heterogeneous lithologies. Experimental investigations include coreflood tests with representative reservoir rocks to quantify cumulative oil production, pressure drop evolution, and API gravity gains under varying gas types (CO2, N2, and CH4), nanoparticle concentrations, and surface modifiers. The study also examines the synergistic effects of integrating low-salinity water pretreatment with nanoparticle dispersants to enhance wettability reversal and reduce irreducible water saturation. A probabilistic risk assessment framework evaluates potential formation damage, nanoparticle retention, and environmental implications, guiding prudent field deployment. Sensitivity analyses identify critical parameters influencing recovery, including fractional flow of gas, nanoparticle stability, interfacial tension, and reservoir temperature. The project develops an optimization protocol to determine the optimal sequencing and dosage of gas injection, nanoparticle concentration, and chemical additives to achieve maximum net present value while minimizing operational risks. Field-scale implications are explored through a workflow that integrates reservoir characterization with digital twin simulations, enabling real-time monitoring of production metrics, nanoparticle migration, and gas breakthrough. The anticipated outcomes include a validated predictive model, recommended best practices for hybrid EOR implementation in mature reservoirs, and a set of design guidelines for material selection, injection strategies, and monitoring plans that collectively enhance sweep efficiency, reduce remaining oil saturation, and extend the productive life of aging petroleum assets. This holistic approach offers a transferable methodology for the oil industry to exploit synergistic mechanisms of gas displacement and nanofluid-assisted mobility control, ultimately contributing to more economical recovery trajectories in mature reservoirs.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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This project looks at ways to get more oil out of mature oil fields. It compares two techniques—gas displacement and nanoparticles—to see if using them together can push more oil to the surface. It focuses on understanding how fluids move through old rocks and how to mix these methods for better results.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Mature reservoirs often produce less oil over time, leaving pockets of oil that are hard to reach. Traditional methods may not extract most of the remaining oil efficiently. The project investigates whether a hybrid approach can improve recovery while keeping costs reasonable and minimizing environmental impacts.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Review existing recovery methods and their limits in mature reservoirs.
2. Explain how gas-displacement works and how nanoparticles can help flow through rock.
3. Propose a hybrid strategy that combines both approaches.
4. Develop a simple model to predict oil recovery under the hybrid method.
5. Assess potential challenges, such as safety, cost, and environmental effects.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Learn the basics of oil recovery and the two techniques. 2. Read existing studies and gather data from similar fields. 3. Build a straightforward conceptual model of fluid flow in rocks. 4. Create simple simulations or calculations to compare methods. 5. Evaluate practical considerations like cost and risk. 6. Summarize findings and suggest next steps for field testing.

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Expected Outcome

Anticipated results include a clearer understanding of whether the hybrid approach can increase recoverable oil in mature fields, along with a basic framework for evaluating when and where this method is most effective. The project should provide practical guidelines for future lab or field tests and highlight possible obstacles to adoption.